Reentry, Grief and Loss: Addressing Unmet Mental Health Needs of Incarcerated Women

According to Harner, et al., (2011) mental health symptoms of grief include depression, anxiety, anger, suicidal ideation, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

 

For a minority of individuals, these symptoms develp into unresloved or complicated grief (Crunk, Burke, Robinson, 2017; Hendry, 2009). 

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Unresolved grief in correctional settings can create behavior issues (Hendry, 2009) in inmates that manifest in depression and explosive anger (Ferszt et al., 2009). 

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Correctional and reentry staff may perceive inmate anger as a threat, and they may place inmates in restrictive housing (Ferszt, 2004) or jeopardize their stay in residential community release programs (RCRP).

 

Upon release from prison, unresolved grief increases the probability of substance use and abuse, recidivism, impairment in occupational and social functioning, and the development or exacerbation of other mental disorders (Crunk, et al., 2017). 

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To decrease the impact of unresolved grief on incarcerated women, their families, and communities Harner, et al., (2011) recommends that women are given the opportunity to facilitate the grieving process prior to release from custody. 

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